UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, has agreed to partner with the newly-established Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) towards the realization of the Foundation’s objectives.
At a meeting held in Lagos on Sunday between UN Tourism and ETF, the UN agency agreed to collaborate with the Foundation to establish a Tourism Academy in Lagos and to jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hub.
The Foundation, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and backed by the 137-year-old Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), was also invited to apply for affiliate membership of UN Tourism, formerly known as United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The ETF’s delegation was led by its Chairman, Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while the UN Tourism delegation was led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
The Secretary-General noted that Lagos has everything, including its fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy, nightlife, to make it Africa’s tourism hub and commended ETF for its campaign against the demarketing of Nigeria.
He pledged to work with ETF in developing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos.
Mr. Pololikashvili accepted ETF’s invitation to serve as the Patron and Honorary member of the Foundation, an honour conferred in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.
Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed told the visiting UN Tourism delegation that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria is grossly exaggerated, adding that tourists who have recently visited the country often express regret for believing false and negative narratives about Nigeria.
He cited ‘Detty December’, a cultural phenomenon that has placed Lagos on the global tourism map, as a clear evidence of the city’s vibrancy and appeal as a preferred destination.
The former Minister of Information and Culture also noted that every month, over 20,000 events are held in Lagos, underscoring the need for purpose-built event centres and related facilities to support the city’s dynamic entertainment and creative industries.
According to him, such infrastructure would allow global music stars like
Burna Boy, Davido and Whizkid to stage major concerts locally rather than taking such opportunities abroad.
Alhaji Mohammed explained that Eko Tourism Foundation was established to create an inclusive forum for government and private sector collaboration on tourism in Nigeria; serve as a partner of choice for both local and international stakeholders in the tourism industry and to champion the global marketing of Destination Lagos, and by extension Destination Nigeria, as a driver of sustainable socioeconomic development.
Other members of the ETF’s delegation included HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu, member, Board of Trustees; Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, Secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council; Mr. Karl Hala, member, Governing Council; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Treasurer, Governing Council and Ms. Sharon Ashinze, Assistant Secretary. Governing Council.
The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Regional Department for Africa; Shirin El Tayan, Chief of Protocol and Kojo Bentum-Williams, Communications Senior Expert.
